Animal License

NEW — Alachua County pet license tags have gone digital and now offer a range of optional free features, including online pet information storage. Fees are now $25 per pet annually and can be ordered online at www.petdata.com/for-pet-owners/alc/license-online.

View more frequently asked questions below.

License your pet online, by mail, or in person. Visit petdata.com/alachuaco for more information.  

Licensing of dogs, cats, and ferrets four months of age or older is required in Alachua County.  Those relocating to our community with their pets have 30 days to comply.  A tag or license from another county does not fulfill the Alachua County licensing requirements.

Additionally, all dogs and cats must wear their license tag at all times except during recognized sporting or exhibition events.

A license is proof that your pet is registered with Alachua County and is mandated by Chapter 72 of the Alachua County Code. The license tag acts as identification if your pet is ever lost, and it serves as proof that your pet is currently vaccinated against rabies. If a lost pet comes to Alachua County Animal Resources wearing a currently registered license tag, they are held for longer than the usual three business days while we try to make contact with the owner.

Current rabies vaccination is a prerequisite to licensing.  Licenses may be obtained, in conjunction with rabies vaccination, from any of the participating veterinary practices in Alachua County. Animal Resources may be able to offer rabies vaccines and licenses. Call the shelter at 352-264-6870 to inquire if this option is available. The shelter can only issue license in person in conjunction with a rabies vaccine.

You may apply for a license online at www.petdata.com/for-pet-owners/alc/license-online. There is a $2 convenience fee for applying online.

You may also license by mail. To license by mail, you can mail a copy of your pet’s current rabies certificate and any other applicable documentation along with a check payable to “Alachua County Animal Resources Licensing” to:

Alachua County Animal Licensing
C/O PetData
PO Box 141929
Irving, TX 75014

You may also license in person at participating veterinary locations.

License fees for cats, dogs, and ferrets are $25 for a 1-year license. Alachua County pet licenses are valid for one year from the date of rabies vaccination and will expire on the anniversary of the rabies vaccination.

You may license your pet online for an additional $2 convenience fee, or license your pet by mail. To license by mail, send a copy of the pet's current rabies certificate and any other applicable documentation along with a check payable to "Alachua County Animal Resources Licensing” to:

Alachua County Animal Licensing
C/O PetData
PO Box 141929
Irving, TX 75014

Yes, even if your pet cannot be vaccinated, they are still required to be licensed.  You will need to bring a written statement from your veterinarian exempting your animal from the rabies vaccination prerequisite.  You may then purchase a license over the counter at Animal Resources.  Medical exemptions are only good for one year.

Yes, if you reside in Alachua County with your pet for more than 30 days, you are required to register your pet with Alachua County as mandated by Chapter 72 of the Alachua County Code.  A tag or license from another county does not fulfill the Alachua County licensing requirements.    

As long as the rabies vaccination is still current, you can purchase a replacement tag online.  A replacement tag is only $5 and will remain current for one year after the date the original license was issued.

If you sell or give away your pet, the new owner will need to license the pet in their name. Licenses are not transferrable between owners. Additionally, the previous owner is responsible for making sure that the pet's microchip is transferred into the new owner's name.

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